"Milk"

By: Matt Duncan
Coastal View News

“My name is Harvey Milk, and I am here to recruit you.” At a time when passionate disagreement over ideology continues to rend many parts of the country, “Milk” is a stirring, thought-provoking and worthy film.

“Milk” is the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly homosexual man to be elected to major office in America. When this story begins, Milk is a simple and private man looking for the same kind of happiness enjoyed by many Americans. Milk runs away to San Francisco with his lover (James Franco) in order to live a simple, fulfilling life. However, when Milk and Smith decide to open up a camera supply store they are confronted with the harsh reality of prejudice. In response to the lack of acceptance experienced by those wishing to put Milk and Smith out of business, Milk decides to fight back.

The once reserved businessman organizes the gay population of San Francisco to form a powerful network of mutual support, ironically leading to financial demise of those who once promised to deliver a similar fate to Milk. With the homosexual community behind him, Milk gradually becomes more active and outspoken about the injustices experienced by the gay community.

Much to the chagrin of the pacifistic Smith, Milk decides to run for local supervisor. After several defeats and methodological refinements, Milk is finally elected to office. Yet, for Milk, winning is not what is most important. What is most important is getting the word out, making an impression, and raising questions and doubts in the minds of others. Milk discovers that it was not he who was running for office; it was a cause that was really on the ballot.

Once in office, Milk continues to fight for the equal treatment for homosexuals. Milk faces fierce prejudice in addition to the normal political wrenching, the latter facilitated by fellow supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin). Milk makes gay rights a national issue by combating the likes of Anita Bryant and Senator John Briggs, who are both campaigning to repeal laws that make it illegal to discriminate in matters of business and education on the basis of sexual orientation. Bryant and Briggs cite the law of God as reason to root out and eliminate homosexuality in America. Just as two massive currents pour inevitably onward toward each other, Briggs and Milk face off in an iconic battle over what it means to say “all men are created equal.”

As with many stories, the story of Harvey Milk is not so much about the beginning and the end as it is about the in-between. Milk, once a shy and guarded businessman, became the voice of a passionate movement for equality. Milk, looking for peace, love and happiness, was struck down in his prime. These are the givens of the story—the aspects known to the audience from the outset. What is not necessarily known, and what really matters, is the humanity behind the movement. Milk may have been running on an issue, but it is Milk the man who brings the issue to the hearts and minds of the nation. For better or worse, “Milk” blurs the line between a person and an ideology.

Sean Penn is positively dazzling in this film—he is the undeniable highlight. No other actor or actress lags too far behind, but Penn’s performance will bring tears to your eyes just as much as it will bring ideas to your mind. Writer Dustin Lance Black and director Gus van Sant do a fine job developing what it means to be normal and accepted by comparing Milk’s private life with his public life; his desire for peace with his desire for change. The supposed tragic flaw of the hero in this tale is precisely what makes him happy and gives him hope. Milk chooses to hope and fight rather than be told who to be.

This movie is touching, funny, and raises issues worth grappling with. The score and cadence of plot progression contribute keep the viewer involved and interested. “Milk” reminds us that there are real people behind even the most polarizing of issues, and although wise people differ ideologically, the wisest find a way to love and respect each other.

“Milk” is rated R for language, some sexual content and brief violence.

--Originally Printing in Coastal View News--